Shingled Roof with Integrated Photovoltaic Collectors

ABSTRACT

A solar insert for shingled roofs includes an insert with a generally wedge-shaped body designed to be installed beneath a shingle and a face that is exposed and extends along a lower edge of the shingle. The face preferably is angled with respect to the shingle and a solar collector in the form of a thin-film solar strip is mounted to and extends along the face. The inserts of multiple shingles are electrically coupled together to form an electrical grid for aggregating the electrical energy of the individual solar collectors and delivering it to a remote location for storage or use. In a second embodiment, a shingle has a solar collector strip mounted to its surface extending along a forward edge of the shingle, and in another, the solar collector surrounds the tabs of their shingles. The solar collectors not only generate electrical energy from the sun; they also enhance the appearance of a shingled roof by providing a look of increased thickness and texture.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is hereby claimed to the filing date of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/143,235 filed on 8 Jan. 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to solar power and more specificallyto photovoltaic solar collectors for placement on the shingled roof of astructure such as a residential home.

BACKGROUND

The trend toward alternate energy sources has lead in recent years to ademand for wind, geothermal, solar, hydrogen, and other sources ofenergy that do not derive from fossil fuels. The capturing of solarenergy includes, without limitation, the collection and storage of heatfrom the sun and the collection and storage of electricity derived fromsunlight. In the later case, photovoltaic solar cells and multi-cellsolar panels have been developed that convert sunlight directly intoelectrical energy, which then may be used, stored in batteries, and/orplaced back on the electrical grid. While solar panels are feasible inmany applications, such as on industrial and commercial buildings, someconsider them unsightly for use on roofs of residential homes. Further,traditional solar panels cover the shingles of a residential home,obscuring the architectural contribution of the shingles to the home.There is a need for a system for collecting solar energy from the roofof a residential home that is not unsightly and that is integrated intoand actually enhances the architectural appearance of the shingles ofthe home. It is to the provision of such a system that the presentinvention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, a solar collector, in one embodiment, comprises arelatively thin generally wedge-shaped solar insert configured to beinstalled or inserted beneath a traditional shingle. When installed orinserted, an exposed face of the insert extends along the forward edgeportion of the shingle and is angled so that it can be exposed tosunlight. For new roofing installations, the inserts can be installedbeneath shingles as they are installed on a roof. For existing roofing,the forward edge of shingles can be lifted up slightly and solar insertscan be slid under shingles and attached to the roof. The exposed angledface of each insert carries a photovoltaic solar collector, preferablyin the form of a thin solar cell ribbon or strip mounted to andextending along the exposed face of the insert. An electrical gridinstalled on the roof couples electrically to the solar insert toreceive electrical energy generated by the insert. An insert can beinstalled beneath the forward edge portion of each shingle on a roof oronly selected shingles on a roof and all of the solar collectors areelectrically coupled by the electrical grid to form a network thatcombines the electrical energy generated by the individual solarcollectors. The individual solar collectors may be coupled in parallel,in series, or combinations thereof depending upon the desired voltageand/or current capabilities of the system. The generated electricalenergy can be used to charge a battery bank, used directly to powerelectrical appliances in the home, or placed back on the publicelectrical grid for reimbursement by an electrical utility.

Significantly, it has been found that the exposed solar cell stripsalong and below the forward edges of the shingles do not detract fromthe architectural appearance of the roof. In fact, the black or darkblue solar collectors actually improve the look a shingled roof byenhancing the appearance of texture and thickness of the roofingshingles. In a second embodiment, a photovoltaic solar collector stripis applied directly to the surface of each shingle extending along andadjacent the exposed forward edge. The results are similar. Theappearance of texture is enhanced while providing an effective solararray on the roof of a home. In yet another embodiment, a solar surroundis configured to surround and project from beneath the tabs ofarchitectural style shingles, again enhancing the appearance of depth inthe shingles while exposing photovoltaic collectors of the surrounds tosolar energy. The invention will be better understood upon review of thedetailed description set forth below taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing figures, which are briefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a section of a shingled roofillustrating the solar insert of this disclosure in one embodimentthereof.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the solar insert disposedbeneath a shingle with its exposed face and solar collector exposedalong the forward edge portion of the shingle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of aphotovoltaic solar collector attached to a shingle according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 3illustrating the solar collector extending along the exposed forwardedge of a roofing shingle.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a solar collector according tothe disclosure in the form of a solar surround that projects frombeneath and surrounds the tab edges of architectural shingles.

FIG. 6 is a perspective partially exploded view of an alternateembodiment of the insert of FIG. 1 having ventilation slots formed alongits skirt.

FIG. 7 illustrates a solar insert according to the disclosure with onepossible system for wiring multiple inserts electrically together duringinstallation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an array of solar inserts with electrical connectionsas shown in FIG. 7 wired so that the collectors are connected in serieswith each other.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate system for connecting solar inserts toan electrical grid during installation.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another alternate system for connecting solarinserts to an electrical grid during installation.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a solar insert according tothe disclosure including a parabolic reflector that concentrates solarenergy onto a collector at its focus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in more detail to the drawing figures, wherein like partsare identified with like reference numerals throughout the severalviews, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a photovoltaic solar insertfor shingle roofs according to the present disclosure. A roof 10 (only asmall section of which is illustrated in FIG. 1) is covered with aplurality of shingles 11 arranged in overlapping courses and attached tothe roof deck in the traditional manner. In FIG. 1, the roof shingles 11are of the textured architectural style; however, the invention is notlimited to such shingles and may be used with virtually any shingle typeor style. Each of the shingles 11 has a forward edge portion 18 thatoverlies upper portions of shingles of the next lower course. The edgeportions 18 of shingles in a course of shingles are generally alignedwith one another.

A photovoltaic solar insert 12 configured according to the presentdisclosure is disposed beneath each of the shingles 11. Each solarinsert 12 comprises a relatively narrow generally wedge-shaped body 13that is disposed beneath the corresponding shingle 11 and extends fromits apex beneath the body of the shingle downwardly toward the forwardedge portion 18 of the shingle. It will thus be seen that the shinglerests on the narrow wedge-shaped insert in such a way that its forwardedge portion 18 is raised up and spaced from the next lower course ofshingles. The insert 12 further comprises an angled face 14 that extendsat an angle downwardly from the forward edge portion 18 of thecorresponding shingle toward the shingles of the next lower course. Inthis embodiment, a skirt 15 depends from the lower edge of the angledface 14 to rest upon a shingle 11 of the next lower course, therebysupporting the insert and the weight of the overlying shingle.

A photovoltaic solar cell, preferably in the form of a thin filmphotovoltaic strip or ribbon 17, is mounted to and extends along theangled face 14 of the body so that the solar cell is exposed just beyondand beneath the forward edge of the corresponding shingle. Solar thinfilm photovoltaic materials suitable for use with the insert arecommercially available from a variety of sources such as, for example,Ulbrich Photovoltaic located in Westminster, S.C. and others. The angleof the face 14 is preselected so that the solar cell 17 isadvantageously oriented for the most direct solar exposure so that eachsolar cell can produce the most possible electrical energy. Further,this angle may be different for different roof pitches and can varydepending upon whether the roof deck faces south, east, or west. Northfacing roof decks (or south facing in the southern hemisphere) typicallyreceive little solar exposure and may not be provided with functioningsolar inserts. However, for architectural consistency, north facingportions of a roof may be provided with non-functioning inserts thatmimic the look of functioning solar inserts.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a ventilation opening or slot 16 preferablyis formed in the body 13 of the insert to permit ventilation beneath theshingle and beneath the forward face 15 of the insert for cooling thesolar collector 17 and preventing excessive heat buildup beneath theshingles. In the illustrated embodiment, a skirt 15 depends from thelower edge of the forward face 14 and rests on the next lower course ofshingles to support the forward face 14 of the insert and the weight ofthe shingle resting atop the insert. Weep holes (not shown) may beformed along the bottom edge of the skirt if desired to allow water thatmay condense or be blown beneath the shingle to flow out through theweep holes. Further, as detailed below, ventilation openings may beformed along the skirt 15 to permit ventilation along the front of theinsert.

It will be recognized that with the solar insert 12 disposed asdescribed, the forward edge portion 18 of each shingle is lifted upslightly and rests on the solar insert as previously mentioned. This hasbeen found to enhance the appearance of thickness and texture of theshingles beyond that provided by the shingles alone. Further, theexposed solar cell strip 14, which generally is black or very dark blue,is visible from the ground along the bottom edge of each shingle. Thisprovides an even more enhanced perception or appearance of thickness andtexture by, among other things, mimicking shadows along the lower edgesof the shingles. Thus, not only are the solar inserts of this inventionnot unsightly as can be the case with prior art solar panels, theyactually enhance the architectural appearance of a shingled roof and canmake a less expensive shingle installation appear rich, textured, andmore expensive.

With functional solar inserts installed beneath each or at least most orsome of the shingles of a shingled roof as illustrated in FIG. 1, thereis a substantial total composite area of solar collector exposed tosunlight. Each solar insert generates a relatively small amountelectrical power from the sunlight falling on its solar collector.However, with all of the solar cells of all of the functioning insertson a roof electrically connected together through an electrical grid, asdescribed in more detail below, the total combined electrical energygenerated can be hundreds of times that generated by a single insert andcan be comparable to that of traditional solar panels. As furtherdetailed below, the electrical grid and individual insert connectors canbe configured so that the collectors are electrically connected inseries, in parallel, combinations thereof, or otherwise to produce thedesired final voltage and current capabilities. The electrical energy iscollected by the electrical grid and is delivered to a remote location,where it can be used to charge the batteries of a battery bank, to powerelectrical equipment, or sold to an electrical utility by being placedback on the public electrical grid.

FIG. 2 shows the solar insert of FIG. 1 in a side view disposed beneatha shingle 11. The wedge-shaped body portion 13 of the solar insert 12 isseen disposed mostly beneath the forward edge portion 18 of a shingle 11(although it may be alternatively sized and configured to extend farthertoward the back of the shingle if desired). It also is clear in FIG. 3that this raises the forward edge portion of the shingle above theshingles in the next lower course, which generally are disposed beneaththe solar insert 12. The forward part of the solar insert is configuredto define the angled face 14 that extends along and below the forwardedge of the shingle 11. Photovoltaic solar collector 17 is mounted tothe forward face of the insert as shown so that it is exposed tosunlight. Preferably, but not necessarily, the angle of the surface 14upon which the solar collector 17 is mounted is predetermined for aparticular installation so that the solar collector 17 receives the mostdirect sunlight in order to produce the most possible electrical energy.As mentioned, this angle may be different for roof installations ofdifferent pitches or exposures. The inserts 12 can be fabricated in avariety of available configurations to suit most roofing installations,or can be custom designed and fabricated for a particular roofinginstallation if desired.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2, the body 13 further includes skirt15 that depends from the angled face 14 of the insert and rests on ashingle or shingles of the next lowest course of shingles. This bothsupports the angled face 14 and solar collector 17 and keeps them fromsagging, and also provides support for the weight of the shingle 11resting atop the solar insert. The vent slot 16 in this embodiment,which is shown more clearly in FIG. 3, provides a passage for air toenter beneath the shingle 11, the angled face 14, and the solarcollector 17 thereon to prevent excessive heat from building up beneaththe shingle 11 and to provide a measure of cooling to the solarcollector. While one possible configuration of the vent slot 16 isillustrated in FIG. 3, it will be understood that it may take onnumerous other configurations or may be located other than where shownin FIG. 3 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.For example, an alternate embodiment with vent slots along the skirt 15is described in more detail below.

The solar insert of FIGS. 1 through 3 can be fabricated in a variety ofalternate configurations within the scope of the invention. For example,the body 13 can be fashioned as a wedge with a top panel that residesbeneath and supports the weight of the shingle above. Alternatively, itcan be fashioned with a series of wedge-shaped ribs or buttresses thatextend inwardly from the ends of the angled face 14 at predeterminedintervals therealong. The solar insert of this disclosure may befabricated from any of a variety of materials so long as the selectedmaterial is capable of withstanding the heat, ultraviolet radiation,weather, and temperature variations to which roofs commonly are exposed.For example, certain plastics may be suitable as has been the case withridge and roof vents, flashing, and the like commonly installed onroofs. Alternatively, the inserts may be formed of metal such asaluminum or stainless steel, or they may be formed as a solid moldedpiece of a polymer-filler composite, which may be blown to reduce neededmaterial and weight of the inserts. These and other fabrications may beapplied to make the solar inserts of this disclosure, all within thescope of the invention.

It will further be understood that the solar inserts of FIGS. 1 and 2can be installed in a variety of ways. For instance, they can beprovided as individual inserts that are installed as part of and inconjunction with the installation of the shingles. In such aninstallation, a plurality of solar inserts may be affixed to the roofextending along and atop each course of shingles as the course isinstalled so that the next higher course can be installed atop theinserts. Alternatively, the solar inserts can be pre-fabricated as anintegral part of each shingle such that courses of shingles can beinstalled substantially in the traditional manner by a roofer, which, atthe same time, accomplishes the installation of the solar insertsbeneath each course. Finally, an embodiment of the insert is envisionedthat can be slipped beneath an existing roofing installation; however,this presents certain challenges not present in new installations.

The solar insert of FIGS. 1 and 2 is well suited to new roofinginstallations in which the inserts can be installed concurrently withthe shingles or provided as an integral component of shingles. However,it may not be as appropriate for retrofitting existing roofs because,among other things, shingles of adjacent courses can become brittle andfused together over time and may not separate easily to receive insertswithout damage.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention thatperhaps is better suited for application to existing shingled roofs.Here the roof 20 is shingled with traditional three-tab asphalt shingles21 applied in overlapping courses. Solar collectors in the form ofthin-film photovoltaic strips 22 are mounted and secured to each (ormost or some) of the shingles 21 extending along the exposed edgeportions thereof. The solar collector may, if desired, be slightlyspaced from the extreme edges of the shingles. Alternatively, thecollectors may be affixed to the shingles such they extend completely tothe extreme edges of the shingles, as illustrated in phantom lines alongthe lower shingle in FIG. 3. With this embodiment, the solar collectorstrips may be applied by an installer by securing the strips to theshingles with an appropriate adhesive and interconnecting the stripswith a wiring harness forming an electrical grid. The hundreds of solarcell strips 22 then become electrically interconnected to deliverelectrical power to a battery bank, electrical appliances, to the publicgrid, or otherwise. As with the prior embodiment, the solar cell strips22 typically are black or very dark blue. As a result, it has been foundthat the embodiment of FIG. 3 also provides a shingled roof with theimpression of thickness and texture reminiscent of that provided by theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, enhancing the appearance of the roof.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 showing ashingle 21 with a solar collector strip 22 applied along the exposededge thereof. In FIG. 4, the solar collector 22 is applied immediatelyadjacent to the exposed edge of the shingle; however, it may be slightlyspaced from the exposed edge if desired. Either or an alternateplacement is possible and within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a solar collector forshingled roofs according to the invention. This embodiment isparticularly suited to high end architectural shingles such as Camelot®brand shingles available from GAF Materials Corporation, and will bedescribed herein in the context of such. However, it certainly is notlimited to use with high end architectural shingles and may be appliedto other types of shingles as well. Referring to FIG. 5, anarchitectural shingle 31 is formed from a top shingle layer having tabs32 (also referred to as dragon teeth) that overly larger tabs 33 on abottom layer of shingle material. The corners of the tabs 33 are angledto provide a sense of thickness and texture. Since the dragon teeth 32are smaller than the bottom tabs 33, a portion of each bottom tab isvisible around the periphery of an overlying dragon tooth tab.

According to the invention, a solar collector or solar surround 34 isshaped in a generally saw-tooth pattern and is sized to be installed onthe shingle 31 such that it surrounds and boarders the dragon teeth andthe lower edges of the upper shingle layer, as illustrated on the leftin FIG. 5. The surface of the solar surround is covered withphotovoltaic collectors, which, again, may take the form of solar ribbonor other appropriate material. Preferably, the solar surround isprovided with mating electrical connectors 36 and 37 on its ends so thatthe solar surround can be connected electrically to solar surrounds 38of adjacent shingles in a course. The courses of solar surrounds canthen be electrically connected through a harness, batten, or otherconnector at a preselected location on the roof for deliveringelectrical energy from all of the solar surrounds to a central location.The shape of each solar surround provides increased surface area for thecollection of solar energy. Further, the surround has been found toenhance the appearance of a shingled roof by, among other things,enhancing the appearance of thickness and texture of the shingles.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a solar insert that issimilar in many respects to the solar insert of FIG. 1. The insert 41has a wedge-shaped body 42, a side vent 43, and an angled face 44 thatis covered with a photovoltaic collector 46. As with the priorembodiment, a skirt 47 depends from the angled surface 44 and isconfigured to rest on a shingle of the next lower course of shingles. Inthis embodiment, the skirt 47 has an array of vent openings 48 formedtherealong for allowing ventilation through the forward edge of thesolar insert. The vent openings 48 may be spanned by a screen material49 to prevent migration of insects beneath the shingles, as illustratedin the lower image of FIG. 6. Alternately, the vent openings 48 may beopen and a filter material such as, for instance, Cobra® ventingmaterial available from GAF Materials Corporation may be disposed behindthe solar insert to resist insect and water infiltration. Other optionssuch as lovers, baffles, and the like also are possible and within thescope of the invention. The front vented solar insert of FIG. 6 providesenhanced ventilation for minimizing heat buildup beneath the shinglesand for cooling the solar collectors of the inserts.

With an array of solar inserts of this invention installed beneathshingles of a roofing installation, the individual solar collectors ofthe inserts must be electrically coupled together in a grid forcollection and delivery of electrical energy to a usable location. Whilemany configurations of electrical grids are possible, FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate one configuration considered by the inventors to represent abest mode of carrying out the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a singleshingle 52 and solar insert 51 generally of the type described above.The lower image in FIG. 7 illustrates the solar insert separated fromthe shingle, while the upper image shows it mounted beneath the shingle.As mentioned, the insert can be fabricated at the manufacturer as anintegral part of the shingle, the entire unit to be installed by aroofer, or the insert may be installed by a roofer or installer in thefield. In any event, one or more of the terminals of the photovoltaiccollector 55 are electrically connected at the angled surface of theinsert to an electrical harness 53. In the illustrated embodiment, theharness 53 may be configured as a flat or ribbon conductor, which housesand insulates one or more wires. The harness 53 has a lower leg 54 thatextends rearwardly from the front of the insert 51. The harness is thenangled upwardly to form a transition portion 56 at it's rear end andthen angled forwardly to form a shorter upper leg 57.

The upper leg 57 terminates in an electrical connector 58, which, in theillustrated embodiment, comprises a female connector. A matingelectrical connector 59, which is illustrated as a male connector, iscoupled to or formed with the lower leg 54 of the harness and extendsdownwardly therefrom. The harness is formed such that the connectors 58and 59 are offset from each other along the length of the shingle tofacilitate staggered installation of shingles in adjacent courses, asdetailed below. As illustrated in the upper image of FIG. 7, when thesolar insert 51 is mounted beneath the shingle 52, the lower leg 54 ofthe harness extends rearwardly beneath the shingle to is back edge.There, the transition portion 56 extends upwardly around the back edgeof the shingle, and the upper leg 57 of the harness extends along thetop of the shingle toward its front edge. This positions the femaleconnector 58 at the end of the upper leg 57 atop the shingle in alocation that will be covered by an adjacent shingle in the next highercourse of shingles. The male connector 59, in turn, is positioned on thebottom side of the shingle extending downwardly therefrom. As mentioned,the connectors are staggered with respect to each other.

FIG. 8 illustrates one possible installation and connection option forinstalling shingles with solar inserts of the type shown in FIG. 7.Preferably, but not necessarily, the solar inserts are installed duringmanufacturing as integral parts of the shingles so that installation ofthe shingles accomplishes simultaneous installation of the solarinserts. The lower left image of FIG. 7 illustrates a single shingle 52with solar insert 51, lower leg 54 of the electrical harness, transitionportion 56, and upper leg 57, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Female connector58 is exposed on the top of the shingle and male connector 59 isdisposed on the bottom of the shingle and the connectors are offset fromeach other as described. For the particular electrical grid optionillustrated in FIG. 8, the positive terminal of each male connector ofan insert is electrically connected through the harness to the negativeterminal of the corresponding female connector of the insert. This isillustrated by the dark connection lines 63 throughout the images ofFIG. 8.

The lower right image of FIG. 8 illustrates two shingles 52 as describedinstalled in two courses 62. For installation, the male electricalconnector 59 on the bottom of the upper shingle is aligned and snappedor otherwise electrically coupled to the female connector 58 of thelower shingle. Since the connectors are offset as described, this actionautomatically staggers the upper shingle with respect to the lowershingle by the appropriate amount to prevent seams between shingles fromlining up, which can cause leaks. Once the electrical connectors arecoupled and the shingles aligned, the upper shingle can be secured tothe roof deck in the traditional way, whereupon additional shingles areinstalled in the same and successive courses in the same manner.

The upper image in FIG. 8 illustrates a larger section of a shingledroof with a plurality of shingles of this invention installed and theirsolar inserts connected electrically as described. The solar inserts areomitted in this image for clarity, but it will be understood that theyare nevertheless present. Because of the configuration of connections63, the solar insert and collector of each shingle becomes electricallycoupled in series fashion to the immediately overlying and staggeredshingle of the next higher course of shingles. The end result is anumber of adjacent and angled electrical circuits incorporating thesolar collectors of numerous shingles and extending from the lower edgeof the roof to the ridge of the roof, the three circuits visible in FIG.8 being labeled A, B, and C respectively. Since each circuit A, B, and Cincludes numerous solar collectors electrically coupled in series, thetotal voltage produced by each circuit is substantially the sum of thevoltages produced by the individual solar collectors in the circuit.Thus, this type of circuit can result in a solar collection system thatproduces relatively high voltages.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, it will be seen that eachindependent circuit A, B, and C are electrically coupled together inparallel through electrical trunk lines 64 and 65, which deliverelectrical energy from the grid to a remote location for storage or use.This parallel connection of the circuits A, B, C, etc. retains thevoltage level produced by the individual circuits, but multiplies thecurrent delivery capacity of the individual circuits.

It will be understood that the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 8 isbut one of many possible configurations that might be accomplished withthe present invention. For example, if the male and female connectorterminals are connected positive to positive and negative to negative,the result will be circuits A, B, C, etc. of parallel connected solarcollectors, which can be connected by trunk lines at the ridge of theroof (or elsewhere) either in series or parallel as desired to obtainthe desired voltage and current delivery capacity (i.e. the desiredavailable power). The invention is not limited to any particularconfiguration of electrical grid configuration and includes all. Theconfiguration of FIG. 8 is illustrated to show both series connection ofsolar collectors in a circuit and parallel connection of circuits ofcollectors.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment for connecting the solarcollectors of inserts together in a grid that perhaps is best suited forinstallation of solar inserts in the field by roofers or installers. Inthis embodiment, a connector strip 73 carrying a pair (or more) ofconnectors is nailed along a course of shingles 71 in a region that willbe covered by the shingles of the next higher course of shingles. Theconnector strips have mating electrical connectors 74 and 76 on oppositeends so that successive strips can be electrically connected together tospan the entire (or a desired portion of the) length of a course ofshingles. The solar insert 72 in this embodiment is provided with tabs80 sized and positioned to be slid under the connector strip duringinstallation of the solar insert. One or more of the tabs 80 areprovided with electrical connectors 78 and 79 or 78 a and 79 a adaptedto be coupled electrically to the strip 73. The electrical connectorsmay be of any appropriate type such as screw connectors, snapconnectors, puncture connectors, or otherwise. When the inserts 72 areinstalled, the solar collectors of each course of shingles are connectedtogether through the corresponding connector strip 73. The connectorstrips, in turn, can be connected electrically in parallel, series, orotherwise as needed or desired to form the electrical grid.

FIG. 10 illustrates still another alternate electrical connectionmethodology wherein wires 82 connect the terminals of solar connectorsto electrical plugs or connectors 83 at the free ends of the wires. Theplugs can be progressively interconnected by an installer during roofinstallation and the wires can lie beneath the shingles extending up theroof to the ridge, where they are sheltered from the weather. They canthen be inserted into the attic through the roof ridge, where they canbe interconnected as desired to deliver power to a remote location. Inthis embodiment, the plugs 83 also can be conjured to be plugged into aconnector strip or other grid element to couple each solar insert to acorresponding electrical grid.

FIG. 11 illustrates a solar collector of a different configuration forinstallation on a shingled roof. In this configuration, a solar insert91 is formed similarly to that of previous embodiments in that it has awedge-shaped body 92 and a forward surface 93 that resides, when theinsert is installed, beneath and along the forward edge of a shingle 89.In this embodiment, however, the forward surface 93 has a paraboliccross-sectional profile and is coated with a mirrored material such asaluminized Mylar or the like. A solar collector 94 is positioned at andextends along the focus of the parabola of the forward surface and isheld in position with brackets 96 or other appropriate holders. Solarradiation, which is essentially parallel, falls on the mirroredparabolic surface and is reflected toward the focus of the parabola andonto the solar collector located there. This concentrates all of theradiation falling on the collector onto the solar collector, renderingthe solar collector more efficient because the light falling thereon ismore intense.

The configuration of FIG. 11 may also be suitable for solar collectorsof the type that heat a fluid rather than generate electrical energy. Insuch a system, the solar collector 94 may be a tube through which afluid is pumped. As the fluid moves through the collector, the radiationconcentrated on the tube by the parabolic reflector heats the fluid inthe tube. After a predetermined number of heating cycles, the heatedfluid can be stored in an insulated storage vessel for use to heatwater, to power a heating system, or otherwise.

The invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments andmethodologies considered by the inventors to represent the best mode ofcarrying out the invention. A wide variety of additions, deletions, andmodification might well be made to the illustrated embodiments byskilled artisans within the scope of the invention. For example, theangled face of the solar insert is preferred, but not necessarilyrequired, to provide the benefits of the invention. The inserts and/orsolar collector strips may be longer than a single shingle, or evenshorter. While thin-film flexible solar collectors are preferred andillustrated in the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limitedto thin film solar technology and traditional wafer-type solarcollectors might be used if desired. As mentioned, the solar inserts maybe manufactured as an integral element of shingles, which are theninstalled in substantially the usual way. However, they also may beseparate items to be installed before shingles are applied. In such anembodiment, the solar insert can accommodate virtually any manufacture'sshingles. One method of installation may be to install and electricallyconnect courses of solar inserts along the roof using, for example, abatten style system or another appropriate system. Shingles can then beinstalled in courses atop the already installed solar inserts tocomplete the roofing job. Safety is a concern because the solarcollectors can produce electrical energy in the sunshine duringinstallation. Many solar collectors ganged together can producepotentially dangerous levels of electrical energy. Numerous methods ofpreventing shock or sparking during installation might be employed, suchas keeping the positive and negative terminals of the grid system spacedtoo far apart for an installer to contact both. Alternatively, opaqueremovable covers can be applied to the solar collectors, to be removedafter installation is complete. Finally, there is a need to cut shinglesand their solar inserts in the field such as, for instance, at the endsof each course or to fit shingles to a trough or other structure of theroof. This does not present a particular problem so long as theremaining length of solar collector includes connectors for connectingit to the electrical grid. Alternatively, functioning solar inserts canbe discontinued short of the edge of the roof or cut solar collectorsthat are too short can simply be left out of the grid withoutsignificant impact. These and other revisions might be made by those ofskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, with is constrained only by the claims.

1. A roof comprising: a plurality of shingles in at least partiallyoverlapping courses, each shingle having an exposed edge portion; asolar collector extending generally along the exposed edge portions ofat least some of the shingles; and electrical conductors connecting thesolar collectors together in a grid for aggregating electrical energyproduced by the collectors and delivering it to a remote location.
 2. Aroof as claimed in claim 1 and wherein each solar collector is securedto its respective shingle.
 3. A roof as claimed in claim 2 and whereineach solar collector comprises a thin-film solar collector strip
 4. Aroof as claimed in claim 2 and wherein the solar collector extendsgenerally along a forward edge of its respective shingle.
 5. A roof asclaimed in claim 4 and wherein the solar collector is spaced from theforward edge of its respective shingle.
 6. A roof as claimed in claim 2and wherein the shingles comprise tabs and wherein each solar collectorsurrounds at least one tab of its respective single.
 7. A roof asclaimed in claim 1 and wherein each solar collector is mounted to aninsert that is at least partially disposed beneath a respective shingle.8. A roof as claimed in claim 7 and wherein the insert includes asurface extending beyond a forward edge of the respective shingle andwherein the solar collector is mounted to the surface.
 9. A roof asclaimed in claim 8 and wherein the surface is angled with respect to thesurface of the shingle.
 10. A roof as claimed in claim 9 and wherein theangle of the surface is preselected to orient the solar collector fordirect exposure to the sun.
 11. A roof as claimed in claim 10 andwherein the angle of the surface is preselected based at least in partupon the pitch of the roof.
 12. A roof as claimed in claim 10 andwherein the angle of the surface is preselected based at least in partupon the orientation of the roof.
 13. A roof as claimed in claim 7 andwherein the insert has a generally wedge-shaped portion that residesbeneath the shingle to raise the shingle off of shingles of a next lowercourse.
 14. A roof as claimed in claim 13 and wherein the insert furtherhas a face that is not disposed beneath the shingle, the solar collectorbeing mounted to the face.
 15. A roof as claimed in claim 14 and whereinthe face extends along a lower edge of the shingle and is angled withrespect to the shingle.
 16. A roof as claimed in claim 7 and whereineach insert is a unitary component of its respective shingle.
 17. Ashingle incorporating a solar collector substantially as shown anddescribed.
 18. A method of connecting solar connectors of shinglessubstantially as shown and described.
 19. A shingled roof withinterconnected solar collectors substantially as shown and described.